Machinal (pres. by Skull and Dagger)

The Skull and Dagger Dramatic Society at San Diego State University presents Machinal this spring on the Don Powell Theatre. Machinal was written by Sophie Treadwell, published in 1928, is an exemplary representation of Expressionism.  “Machinal is written in nine scenes, each of which depicts, according to the play’s stage directions, ‘the different phases of life that a woman comes in contact with, and in none of which she finds any place, any peace.’ The titles of the scenes reflect the social institutions or environments that help define expectations for women’s behavior: ‘To Business,’ ‘At Home,’ ‘Honeymoon,’ ‘Maternal,’ ‘Prohibited,’ ‘Intimate,’ ‘Domestic,’ and ‘The Law.'” Through the main character’s struggle to meet and fulfill her perception of society’s expectations of and requirements for her, her identity as an individual is in danger of being stamped out. This play, still relevant eighty years after its conception, confronts the place and appropriateness of individual human desires and ambitions in a modern, industrialized society that is working to find harmony through unity.

PRESS RELEASE:

 

SKULL AND DAGGER PRESENTS SOPHIE TREADWILL’S MACHINAL

A Free Show at the Don Powell Theatre Directed by Nathan Bell

Running April 6^th & 7^th at 7:30pm, and April 7^th & 8^th at 2:00pm

San Diego’s oldest student run theatre organization puts on yet another spectacular show- and it’s free! This time it is in the prestigious Don Powell theatre. Skull and Dagger’s president Nathan Bell has prepared a sensational rendition of this expressionist piece by Sophie Treadwill. Given the avant garde status of this play, it is one that will be sure to wow its audiences. From romance to humor to suspense and to empathy, this show has it all. The plot is intriguing, relatable, and rings with themes of conformity, feminism, love, and more. With a cast and crew of all students, the dedication and collaboration that has gone into this show is unreal. Aside from its stellar student director, there are numerous other student talents who have been hard at work on this show in the areas of production, stage management, designing, musical compositions, building, painting, research, and, of course, acting. The terrific cast includes Clarissa Thiebaux, Cody Shoberg, Matthew Murphy, Rachel Robinson, and several other incredibly talented SDSU students.

Machinal tells the story of a young woman by the name of Helen who struggles to find her role in a male-dominated world. Her constant questioning of her desires and purpose often lead her to make brash decisions throughout the play. During the course of the work, characters and actions are conveyed through Helen’s eyes leaving a rather refreshing sense of ambiguity that resonates in each episode. Just the writing of this play alone could be enough to make it wildly successful, but the team makes sure to bring so much more with artistic sets, intricate sound design, and even video segments that run the course of the show. Skull and Dagger anticipates great reviews for this one and you will not want to miss out!

The show runs April 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th at 7:30 P.M. on Friday and Saturday and at 2 P.M. on Saturday and Sunday for a total of four opportunities to come see this phenomenal play. As mentioned, the shows are FREE and just showing up to support the organization and enjoy the show is all that is required. For more information, contact Sammie at skullndagger@gmail.com. There are also several flyers up around the university and plenty of buzz around the campus. Be sure to see this play; you will not be disappointed!